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Poop question

My DD is 15 months old. She nurses 6-8 times a day. Her poops were very regular and pretty solid (I could knock them off her cloth diaper into the toilet).

Sept. 20 she had what I assumed to be a virus. She had watery diarrhea and spit up a few times. Since then she hasn't had a single solid poop. They've been very mushy and messy, really sticking to her diapers and occasionally leaking out. It doesn't seem to be bothering her - she's still eating, sleeping, and gaining weight.

I took her to the doctor a month ago, but everything else looked OK. Now her MD wants her to see a gastroenterologist, but the first appt. we could get is for 12/15.

She has some food allergies (sesame, egg, and chestnut) and intolerances (dairy), so I'm worried it could be another allergy.

My SIL said that her first son had mushy poops for years, and she just chalked it up to the breastmilk. My DD has been pretty consistent in how often she nurses, so I didn't think that could be causing the change, but it got me wondering what's normal for BFing toddlers.

So, what are your toddler's poops like? Is it normal for BFing toddlers who are still eating 3-4 meals a day to have mushy poops?

Thanks for reading this. Sorry it got so long! I really appreciate any replies as this is stressing me out!

Re: Poop question

If she is happy and growing, then the change in her poop texture is probably nothing to worry about. The virus she had in September may have altered her intestinal environment somehow, or there may have been some other factor that hasn't occurred to you. There is a very broad range of normal when it comes to poop.

Why does her MD want her to see a gastro specialist? Is that based simply on your reported change in her poop, or are there some other symptoms or concerns?

Re: Poop question

Originally Posted by LLL_Rebecca

If she is happy and growing, then the change in her poop texture is probably nothing to worry about. The virus she had in September may have altered her intestinal environment somehow, or there may have been some other factor that hasn't occurred to you. There is a very broad range of normal when it comes to poop.

Why does her MD want her to see a gastro specialist? Is that based simply on your reported change in her poop, or are there some other symptoms or concerns?

He wants her to see the specialist b/c of the reported change, and b/c of the history of food allergies and intolerances. Hearing people say that that kind of poop can be normal confuses things, though!

Re: Poop question

Is your toddler losing weight? If she is then I would be concerned. Keep your appointment with the specialist since if you cancel and then want to reschedule you'll have to waitt all over again. You can always cancel if she's doing better.

Re: Poop question

just a quick f/u, my son (19.5 mos) has had "mushy poops" for months now. He has no food allergies, definitely is not losing weight, is a bit slow to gain but overall growing and developing totally normally. Every time DS gets a small cold or virus, the poops get mushier, and even when he's totally healthy he's on the mushy side. I chalk it up to me still BF, him eating lots of fruits, fiber and soft foods...and he's in no discomfort at all. I am choosing to watch it closely and ensure he gets tons of fluids during the day so he never gets dehydrated...i've had several mommies tell me their babies/toddlers had mushy poops for long periods of time.. i'll be curious to hear what your GI DOC says. good luck!